At Warren Academy, we believe in the ‘power of play’ and recognise that having quality time and provision to play is essential for positive mental and physical health, exploring learning in new ways and for the development of healthy relationships.
The programme is helping us to plan for and invest in play in the same way as other areas of our curriculum! And the results are already being seen in schools across the world – children in OPAL schools concentrate better in class, are healthier and happier and so are the staff!
OPAL is all weather play. Please ensure children are dressed appropriate for the season. Wellies, waterproof coats and a change of shoes are essential for them to access the full play offer no matter what the weather!
Our OPAL project are looking for a few items if you have them. You can drop off any of the items listed below during school hours between 8am – 4pm. As always we appreciate your support!
OPAL Mentor: Wendy Syalon
Head of School: Kellie Salam
OPAL Curriculum Lead: Ellie Shaw
Play Co-ordinator: Keith Eddyshaw and Allison Kirk
Play Team: Julie Brown, Colleen Cooper, Rebecca Smith, Keith Eddyshaw, Allison Kirk
OPAL approaches to play seek to weigh-up the potential benefits to a play activity against the risks that it may pose. We teach children about risk and view healthy risk-taking to be an important life-skill that we need to develop in all of our children. We know that none of our Play Leaders can watch every child at every minute during play. We take a ‘Dynamic Supervision’ approach instead
Please see click on the links below for further information and to read the HSE guide.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Managing Risk in Play and Leisure
Below are some useful links for more information about OPAL play, the types of play and the importance of playtime for children.
